Disney Confirms Closure of Kidani Village Section of Animal Kingdom Lodge

A merchandise location at one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most distinctive Deluxe Resort hotels is headed offline for nearly two weeks next month. Guests with Kidani Village stays on the calendar should plan accordingly.

Johari Treasures Goes Dark August 17

Walt Disney World Resort updated the official webpage for Johari Treasures on July 27, confirming that the gift shop located in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will close for refurbishment from August 17 through August 28. The merchandise location is expected to resume normal operations on August 29.

Standard hours for Johari Treasures run from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, and those hours will remain in effect through August 16 — giving guests visiting before the closure date a full window to shop. As with most refurbishment timelines at Walt Disney World Resort, the August 29 reopening should be treated as a target rather than a guarantee. The My Disney Experience app and the official resort website are the most reliable sources for schedule updates.

Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t shared details about what the refurbishment involves, and it’s unclear whether any of Johari Treasures’ inventory will be moved to another location within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge while the shop is closed. Guests staying at the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel during the closure who need access to merchandise should ask a cast member about the nearest available alternative.

Johari is the Swahili word for “gem,” and the shop is one of the most distinctive retail experiences at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Located near the Kidani Village lobby, it carries a blend of classic Disney merchandise alongside authentic African goods, including crafts and clothing.

Has a refurbishment closure ever impacted your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!